Mohammad Hafidz Rohani
Javerd Nizar
KUCHING: The abrupt end of the Bersih 4.0 rally here over the weekend due to several factors is a sign that Sarawakians are not keen to take part in such rallies.
According to Dewan Usahawan Bumiputera Sarawak (DUBS) Miri Youth chief, Mohammad Hafidz Rohani, the political scenario in Sarawak was of a different tone and Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Adenan Satem seemed to be heading in the right direction.
“The state government knows what the people want from the government,” Hafidz said when met on Thursday.
He said since Malaysia practised democracy, street demonstration would not work to bring down an elected government.
“Regardless of the political stance, taking things to the street to demand for change should not be practised. If the new generation perceives this as something normal, don’t be surprised if demonstration one day will be able to bring down the government,” he said.
He added that the electoral system was there and the votes represent the voice of the people, which was the right channel for the people to change the government.
“Exercise our rights through election to make change,” he said
Meanwhile, film director Javerd Nizar said certain groups should not use participants of street demonstrations to make their stand.
“Why should we resort to such method? Isn’t there a correct platform to request for change,” he asked.
Javerd said the people should look beyond demonstration by taking examples of what happened to countries whose leadership was brought down by their own people.
“Look at Libya or Iraq, for example, and see how they are doing now. If you argue that there is still law, even after the leadership is brought down, how about Bersih itself, which is deemed illegal, except in Kuching,” he said.
Student Jeremy Foong, said the premature end to the Kuching leg of Bersih 4.0 was due to the organisers and participants unable to find a common voice to project their objectives.
“This is a sign that the people here are not ready for such things. We have lived in peace and harmony for so long, why throw them away,” he said.